Authorities report that a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach Sunday evening resulted in at least 16 fatalities and 40 people requiring hospitalization.
The yearly event, called “Chanukah By The Sea,” was set to begin at 5 p.m. to mark the first day of the Jewish holiday with the lighting of the Menorah’s first candle. Law enforcement stated the assault was directed at the Jewish community and is being treated as a terrorist incident.
The New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) indicated that officers were dispatched following reports of gunfire around 6:45 p.m. Sunday. Authorities believe a minimum of two shooters participated in the assault and are examining the potential involvement of a third.
Local time Monday morning, law enforcement verified that the shooting had claimed 16 lives, among them one of the two suspected perpetrators. The other alleged gunman remains in critical condition.
The agency confirmed that at least 40 individuals were still receiving medical care following the incident, including two police officers. This represents the most severe assault on Jewish people since the Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023.
Authorities also reported discovering indications of several homemade explosive devices inside a vehicle located near the attack site.
“Our rescue bomb disposal unit is currently on site addressing that situation,” he stated.
Herzog acknowledged the attack during a Sunday event in Jerusalem honoring exceptional immigrant accomplishments.
“Right now, our brothers and sisters in Sydney, Australia, have been assaulted by despicable terrorists in a vicious attack on Jewish people who gathered to light the first Chanukah candle on Bondi Beach,” Herzog stated. “We extend our deepest sympathies to them. The heart of the entire Israeli nation skips a beat at this moment, as we pray for the wounded to recover, we pray for them and we pray for those who perished.”
Herzog also urged the Australian government to “take action and combat the enormous that is afflicting Australian society.”